In a wave of public outrage, statues of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, were destroyed, and a museum dedicated to him was set on fire.

The incident took place in Bangladesh on August 6.

Visuals showed a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman being broken down using a crane.

According to reports, Mujibur, known as ‘Bangabandhu,’ led Bangladesh to independence in 1971 but was assassinated in 1975 after establishing a one-party system that eroded his support.

Experts have noted that the Awami League, Hasina’s party, heavily centered its identity around Mujibur’s legacy. The protests reflect deep public dissatisfaction, with fears of rising religious extremism. Pakistani journalist Bilal Farooqi expressed concern over the violent backlash, comparing it to Pakistan’s history.

Hasina’s government faced criticism for implementing repressive laws like the Digital Security Act, abolishing the caretaker government system, and widespread corruption. Opposition parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, were marginalized, with many members imprisoned.

In a significant development, President Mohammed Shahabuddin ordered the release of protest prisoners and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who had been jailed for graft by Hasina in 2018. Zia, now in poor health, was a key opposition leader and Hasina’s longtime rival.